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Blackpool Council has been upgrading playgrounds, planting trees, and developing new sensory gardens and community orchards.
Crossland Road Park is the latest to see such improvements. The space in Hawes Side ward has enjoyed £60,000 worth of improvements, including upgraded play equipment and newly planted saplings for a growing community orchard.
The new playground features swings, a slide with multiple climbing options, and accessibility-friendly and interactive features to support children’s communication development.
Now work is underway to introduce a sensory garden to the park too. Children from nearby Hawes Side Primary School have contributed to this, sharing their ideas to help design and develop an interactive, therapeutic space.
Cllr Kim Critchley, ward councillor for Hawes Side, said: “I’m delighted to see Crossland Road Park’s regeneration beginning, with features to benefit all our residents. The improvements to the playground will create a safe and fun space for children and families to enjoy. We’ve heard from and seen countless families who are enjoying their newly developed playground, making memories that will be cherished.”
Cllr Neal Brookes, ward councillor for Hawes Side, added: “It’s great to see all the work that’s been happening with parks and green open spaces across the town, and now its Crossland Road Park’s turn to see such improvements. The community orchard will benefit our residents with access to the fruit from the trees for years to come.”
The community orchard has been developed as part of the council’s regular tree assessments. These allow for new or more diverse species to be introduced, including apple and pear trees, reinvigorating the landscapes across parks and supporting the council’s wider environmental objectives. Similar features have already been introduced at Stanley Park, Marton Mere, and in Revoe, as well as two new microwoods in Claremont and on Warren Drive.
Crossland Road Park was one of seven parks in Blackpool which received the prestigious Green Flag Award last year. Receiving this international quality mark is testament to the efforts of Blackpool Council and Enveco staff, volunteers, and the wider community. The Green Flag Award scheme recognises and rewards parks and green spaces that are appropriately managed and meet the needs of their community.
To support council teams to develop and maintain green spaces, Friends Of groups have also been supported to gain qualifications and develop skills as part of ongoing investments. These volunteers now maintain flower beds and memorial gardens and host planned events in their local parks.
Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Deputy Leader (Place) and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “It’s fantastic to see the work that’s being done to enhance Blackpool’s parks. The team have been working hard to ensure everyone in our town has access to high quality green space areas to enjoy, from playgrounds and sporting facilities to the newly planted community orchards and micro woods.”
Parks in Revoe and Claremont are set to be the next to benefit from upgrades.
To find out more about Blackpool’s parks and green spaces, or to help shape your local park, visit: www.blackpool.gov.uk/Parks